Winter has arrived, but that doesn’t mean an end to being active. It’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the various functional living choices available here in our area, whether sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, curling, ice fishing, hockey, or ice skating.
February Fitness Fever and Winter Walk to School Day are celebrated across Polk County with some great community partners and volunteers. They will feature excellent activity locations in our region.
The Minnesota Safe Routes to School ‘Winter Walk to School Day’ is planned for February 7 in partnership with the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) and Safe Kids Grand Forks.
Highland Elementary School in Crookston and Fisher School will celebrate with designated walking routes, volunteers, hot cocoa, reflective gear, and community members, including fire and police departments and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Highland School drop-off will be at the bus garage on Barrette St &3 rd Ave NE. The Fisher School drop-off will be in the parking lot of Fisher Lutheran Church on 2nd St. Students who regularly get dropped off at their school by caregivers can join these drop-off locations to be a part of the fun. When students walk to school, they spend more time with friends, family, and community, get necessary physical activity, have fun, and learn better. Safe Routes to School programs help students better focus in the classroom; studies have shown after 20 minutes of physical activity, students tested better in reading, spelling, and math and were more likely to read above their grade level. Increasing the number of children safely walking and biking to school can also reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. These events help make walking and biking more visible, fun, rewarding, and healthy for children. We encourage parents, caregivers, students, and families to make walking and biking to school a habit and witness the value of walkable and bikeable communities.
Getting outside and remaining active – especially in winter – improves everyone’s physical health, mental well-being, and social connectedness. Wintertime is a critical time to get outdoors and find ways to connect with others and connect to the outdoors. February Fitness Fever activities can provide positive experiences and resources that make it easier to get out, have fun, move your body, and remain active this winter. Outdoor family activities across Polk County will be offered every Sunday in February and are accessible to the entire region.
Sunday, February 4: Open Gym Day at Win-E-Mac gymnasium (23130 345th St SE, Erskine); 1-3 pm
Sunday, February 11: Winterfest in the Fertile Sandhills at the Agassiz Environmental Learning Center
(400 Summit Ave SW, Fertile, MN); 1-4 pm: enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, schoosh races, snow races, activity stations, sleigh rides, prizes, and refreshments.
Sunday, February 18: Sledding Day at McIntosh Hill (behind Polk County Social Services and Public Health Building, 275 SW Cleveland Ave, McIntosh); 1-3 pm (bring your sled)
Sunday, February 25: Ice Skating Day at Crookston Sports Center (801 Fisher Ave, Crookston); 1-3 pm (ice skates in various sizes will be available for youth; limited adult sizes available or bring your skates)
*All outdoor activities are weather-dependent. Children and adults of all ages and skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend these free events.
Don’t let the cold weather keep students and families from staying active; bundle up and celebrate with us this February with Winter Walk to School Day and February Fitness Fever!
Walk to School Tips from Safe Kids GF
With the proper preparation, walking to school and getting outdoors in the winter can be fun, enjoyable, and healthy! Dress in layers for all outdoor activities. Follow these six helpful tips to encourage students to continue walking to school all winter long:
- Check the forecast and avoid too cold, windy, or snowy days.
- Dress in layers to help regulate your body’s temperature.
- Keep your toes warm by wearing winter boots and warm socks.
- Take your time and enjoy a leisurely pace.
- Wear hats and mittens to keep your head and hands warm.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water before and after your time outside.
Drivers should always look out for pedestrians, but they have some added responsibilities when driving in winter conditions, as walkers may be moving slowly and might slip and fall on ice. There may be giant snowbanks, which can make visibility difficult. Drivers should look out for people walking and begin braking earlier when approaching crosswalks or areas where pedestrians may be crossing. Homeowners can also support pedestrians by keeping their sidewalks clear and not allowing large piles of snow to accumulate at corners where walkers may cross.
For additional information about Minnesota Safe Routes to School, visit https://www.dot.state.mn.us/saferoutes
For questions or more information, contact Polk County Public Health at 218.281.3385 or email pcphreferral@co.polk.mn.us or Safe Kids GF at 701.780.1489 or email safekids@altru.org.
